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May 17, 2008
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APTA > About APTA > APTA Committees > Business Member Board of Governors (BMBG)  

Business In Motion

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Table Of Contents

  1. Message From the Chair
  2. $53 billion SAFETEA-LU Signed Into Law — Finally!
  3. World Beats Path to EXPO 2005
  4. Business Member Activities APTA Annual Meeting And Expo
  5. New Member Profiles

Message from the Chair

By Kim Green, GFI Genfare

Taking Big Steps Forward in 2005

As we near the halfway point in my tenure as your board chair, I would like to thank the members of the BMBG and many other business members for making my first year a productive and memorable one. We have moved the ball down the field on many important issues.

Of course, the most important of these achievements was reauthorization. At long last, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (they are never at a loss for words in Washington!) was signed by the President last month.

Cliff Henke’s article on this page reviews the key provisions of the legislation with respect to business interests, and there
are many that are favorable to the supply side. Make no mistake, this would NOT have been possible without the significant
contributions made by business members during our multiyear quest for a bill.

Alan Wulkan toiled for years — not hours or days — and logged thousands of frequent-flier miles to help craft our association’s complicated, thorough and intricately balanced positions on reauthorization. Past Chairs Bill Lochte and Brian Macleod, former board member Annemarie Chenoweth and many others helped get fairly balanced Buy America reform language in the bill. John Andrews helped lead the charge on renewing the transit bus axle-weight exemption, and Reba Malone did the same on getting a preemption from onerous in-state dealership requirements when federal funds are used to procure buses. And all of us mobilized our employees to send thousands of messages to Congress urging passage of the bill. These are just a few of the many examples of how business members made a substantial difference on the Hill this time around.

Through it all, our Government Affairs Committee chair, Sharon Greene, tackled all these issues and then some. She
moderated what were at times heated discussions about vital issues and stayed on top of a fast-moving current of federal action. When the industry needed resources to make its case better, Sharon and her committee acted quickly, tapping into our Activity Fund to create and publish “Reauthorize TEA 21 Don’t Slow America Down.” The committee also helped showcase the supply side’s support of the industry’s common concerns in a visible way by hosting the business member-sponsored breakfasts so we could learn more from Beltway insiders before we pressed our message on the Hill during the
Legislative Conference.

This landmark legislation lays the foundation for strong growth in the years to come, and there is no better evidence of that than the amazing array of products and services that business members are showing at this year’s Expo in Dallas. More than 800 exhibitors — mostly APTA Business Members — are exhibiting this time around with an even bigger display than three years ago in Las Vegas. Some have signed up as members for the first time, based on the show’s potential to generate new business.

It’s by now a familiar pattern within our ranks: Our numbers keep growing because the industry continues to grow, thanks to the larger investments being made at all levels of government — and also by the private sector. Yes, a growing number of business members are also financing part of the industry’s expansion, a story that we will highlight in upcoming new initiatives that we will announce next year. That of course makes more opportunity for us in the private sector — and creates more and stronger business members within APTA.

The connections between our efforts and our success has never been clearer than this past year, thanks to your efforts. Here’s to a great show in Dallas — you earned it!



$53 billion SAFETEA-LU Signed Into Law — Finally!

By Cliff Henke, WestStart-CALSTART

After 12 short-term extensions and nearly two years overdue, President Bush in August signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users. SAFETEA-LU represents yet another record reauthorization of federal funding for transit, totaling $52.6 billion through September 30, 2009.

At current rates of spending at state and local levels, this renewed federal commitment will leverage another $50 billion. Using the same proportions of capital spending that a recent APTA report documented, the reauthorization bill’s spending will result in a total of $58 billion to be spent during the decade with consultants, architects, engineers, contractors and other firms to design and build facilities; another $34 billion will be spent with bus and railcar builders and their suppliers; and another $8 billion will flow to contract operators and managers for outsourced services. In short, the bill represents a 46% increase over transit funding guaranteed in TEA 21.

APTA will be developing more materials and information on SAFETEA-LU, and will be announcing a webinar to review its provisions soon.

In addition to the market expansion that the guarantees in the bill are very likely to bring about, new programs were created that could mean important opportunities for business members, such as:

Small Starts Program: This important new program, funded by take-down from the capital investment program, provides assistance to smaller projects with a federal New Starts share below $75 million and a total project cost ceiling (i.e., federal
and non-federal shares) of $250 million. Eligible modes include streetcars, vintage trolley, bus rapid transit (if a substantial portion of the project operates in a separate transit right-of-way at least during peak hours or has “other characteristics of a fixed-guideway system”) and commuter rail. Simplified application procedures and evaluation criteria will apply to the program, which must be developed by the FTA in new regulations.

Alternatives Analysis Program: The provision provides $25 million each fiscal year from FY 2006 through FY 2009 for alternatives analysis for New Starts projects. Earmarked projects are specified for FY 2006 and FY 2007.

New Freedom Program: This new program provides formula funding with allocation, based on the disabled population in a state with 60-20-20 split to urbanized areas with populations larger than 200,000, small urbanized areas of less than 200,000 and rural areas, respectively, the latter two administered by states. Funding is for new transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by ADA to assist persons with disabilities. The program contains language mandating coordination of transportation services with other federal human service programs.

Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program: The FTA has a new responsibility to develop public
transportation in National Parks. The Departments of Transportation and Interior are to work cooperatively to develop and
select projects.

Several other provisions are of interest to business members, and in fact were actively lobbied for by suppliers in particular.

They include:

  • Consultants will be interested in the beefed-up metropolitan planning and outreach requirements of the bill, backed up with additional funding available.
  • Bus manufacturers, suppliers and consultants will like the nearly $5 billion in federal funding specifically for buses and related facilities slated through 2009, half that amount in the form of 600 projects designated in the bill. This amount is on top of the $288 million available for the Clean Fuels Program, which funds the purchase of clean fuels buses, including up to 25% of total annually for clean diesel vehicles.

Grants would be made by the FTA.

  • Buy America: The bill requires the FTA to revise the Buy America regs consistent with APTA Buy America Task Force recommendations to: a) clarify that the microprocessor waiver is limited to computers and similar devices; b) define the end product to ensure that major systems procurements are not used to circumvent Buy America, and that such definition
    include a list of representative items subject to the Buy America requirements; c) provide for non-availability waivers after contract award; and d) clarify that it is the certification submitted with a final offer that applies to a negotiated procurement.
  • Bus dealer requirements: The bill pre-empts state laws requiring buses to be purchased through in-state dealers by declaring that they do not apply to vehicles purchased with a federal transit grants.
  • Bus axle-weight exemption: The exemptions for transit buses and over-the-road buses from federal axle weight laws is
    extended through FY 2009.

The full text of the bill and the House-Senate Conference Report are available for review at www.house.gov/rules.


World Beats Path to EXPO 2005

By Fran Hooper

EXPO 2005 will offer unparalleled export and international networking opportunities for APTA business members. As Business in Motion goes to press, the countries that are registering delegations of transit-purchasing decision-makers include Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ecuador, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Nigeria, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam. In addition, delegations of French national legislators and Japanese Ministry of Transport officials will be visiting EXPO. It is anticipated that more than 800 international visitors will be visiting exhibitor booths at the Dallas show.

In addition, special showcase presentations will be held on the EXPO floor featuring representatives from selected delegations speaking about upcoming projects that will be of interest to APTA business members. The showcase presentations will be held on Monday and Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

A full service Center for International Commerce (CIC), staffed with international trade specialists from the U.S. Department of Commerce will be located on the show floor. Services that will be provided by the CIC include trade counseling and matchmaking services, translation services, private meeting rooms and import/export directories. The CIC, which will be open Sunday through Wednesday, will be located in Room 220 on the second floor of the Convention Center.

Exhibitors are encouraged to visit the center to arrange meetings with the visiting delegations. You can also contact Mike Thompson of the Commerce Department (michael_thompson@mail.dot/gov) if your company is interested in meeting with prospective foreign buyers and to advise the CIC staff of products/services that you wish to offer.

In working to support expanded market opportunities for business members, APTA has aggressively worked to increase international attendance at EXPO 2005. The show has been accorded the coveted International Buyer Program (IBP) certification by the U.S. Department of Commerce which means that trade specialists in American embassies around the world are helping APTA to recruit delegations of prospective buyers. In addition, APTA has worked with foreign embassies in Washington, D.C., and the FTA’s International Mass Transportation Program staff to encourage the recruitment of international delegations.

APTA's business members are encouraged to stop by the business member booth in the APTA pavilion. The members of the Business Member Board of Governors and business members on the APTA Board of Directors who will be staffing the booth will have information on how to get involved in APTA. They will also be encouraging nonmember exhibitors to join APTA.


Business Member Activities

APTA ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPO

September 24 – 28, 2005

Dallas, Texas

Saturday September 24:
2:00 pm Business Member Procurement Committee
3:30 pm Business Member Liaison and Outreach Committee
4:00 pm Business Member Government Affairs Committee
Sunday September 25:
7:30 am Business Member Programs Committee
8:30 am Business Member Business Development Committee
9:30 am Business Member Board of Governors Bylaws Committee
9:30 am APTA Board of Directors Meeting
1:30 pm Business Member Board of Governors
Tuesday September 27
4:00 pm BMBG reception for non-member EXPO exhibitors
at the APTA booth

PLEASE VISIT THE APTA BUSINESS MEMBER BOOTH IN THE APTA INFORMATION CENTER AT EXPO!!!


New Member Profiles

Belanger Inc.

1001 Doheny Drive,
Northville, MI 48167

(248) 349-7010 X350

Key APTA contact: Tim Tobias, Large Vehicle Wash Sales Specialist

Cell: (248) 521-2535

www.belangerinc.com

Profile: Founded in 1969, Belanger manufactures automatic bus wash systems and commercial car wash systems with a
nationwide service network.

Transit-related products/services: Automatic bus washing systems.

Crewson Industries

Building 3,
1800 Broadway Avenue,
Buffalo, NY 14212

(716) 894-1044

Key APTA contact: Gary Crewson, President www.crewsonindustries.com

Profile: Crewson Industries manufactures and markets heavy duty brake products for the OEM and Aftermarket truck and
bus industries.

Transit-related products/services: Automatic brake adjusters for transit bus applications.

DeMoulin Apparel

1025 S. 4th Street,
Greenville, IL 62246

(888) 586-8086

Key APTA contact: Scott McFadden, National Sales & Marketing Director

www.demoulinapparel.com

Profile: DeMoulin Apparel manufactures Quality USA-Union Made outerwear, including work wear, public service apparel,
race wear, flame-resistant apparel, corporate wear or custom polo shirts. Custom designs from fabrics, to colors and even
decoration options.

Transit-related products/services: Variety of custom and off the-shelf industry apparel.

Easter Pneumatics & Hydraulics Inc.

30 Lowell St.
Unit 3,
Salem, NH 03079

(603) 893-7662

Key APTA contact: Daniel McCann, Vice President and General Manager

www.ephtools.com

Profile: Eastern Pneumatics provides torque equipment from manual screwdrivers and wrenches to high-powered pneumatic and electric torque tools, test equipment and controllers. Transit-related products/services: Bus and rail maintenance facility pneumatic and manual maintenance tools.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Inc.

630 Fifth Avenue
Suite 3155,
New York, NY 10111

(212) 397-6144

Key APTA contact: Darin Freidmann, Director www.mitsubishitoday.com

Profile: Major multinational firm involved in a variety of industries, including energy management, automation, power
generation, shipbuilding and transportation.

Transit-related products/services: Automated people movers, high-speed trains (Shinkansen), LRTs, monorails, maglev. U.S. projects include the Dulles Airport APM and the Miami Airport North Terminal APM.

Opal Manufacturing Ltd.

105 Brisbane Rd.
Unit 12,
Toronto, ON M3J 2K6

(416) 665-6605

Key APTA contact: Garnet Rich, President www.opal.on.ca

Profile: Opal Manufacturing has been designing and manufacturing vending solutions for over 70 years. The company is a leader in the delivery of prepaid cards, particularly in highprofile and large-volume applications such as postage stamp vending (including USPS), transportation tickets/cards (including PATH), and long distance and wireless services (including
AT&T, SprintVerizon), wireless access (hot spots) and debit card laundry facilities.

Transit-related products/services: Prepaid farecard and ticket vending media and systems.

ROTEM USA Corp.

One Crescent Drive,
Philadelphia, PA 19112

Tel: (215) 22-ROTEM, FAX: (215) 227-6837

Key APTA contact: C. Jack Martinson, Vice President - Business Development; Email: jmartinson@rotemusa.com

Web Site: www.rotem.co.kr

Profile: Involved in the defense and railway industries worldwide, Rotem Company, a member of the Hyundai Motor Group of companies, has its headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Rotem has manufacturing and R&D operations in various locations in Korea. Its U.S. manufacturing and corporate offices are located in Philadelphia.

Transit-related products/services: Products include highspeed rail train sets, electric multiple units, light rail vehicles, power distribution and supply equipment, signaling systems, maglev train sets, diesel multiple units and freight cars.

Starcraft Bus & Mobility

2703 College Avenue
Goshen, IN 46528

(800) 348-7440

Key APTA contact: Sara Wood, Administrative Assistant

www.starcraftbus.com

Profile: Starcraft Bus, a division of Forest River Inc., provides affordable transportation solutions ranging from hotel shuttle vans, church buses and retirement centers transport to medium-size buses for tour bus and shuttle bus operators and many other private and public-sector transportation organizations.

Transit-related products/services: Shuttle and demand response buses for transit applications.

 

Business In Motion

The official newsletter of the American Public Transportation Association's Business Members

Chair
Kim Green,
GFI Genfare

Chair, Outreach Committee/Publisher
Cliff Henke, WestStart/CALSTART

Associate Publisher
Frank Di Giacomo,
METRO Magazine

Editor
Steve Hirano,
METRO Magazine

Graphic Designer
Mary-Elizabeth McNeil,
Bobit Business Media

APTA Staff Advisor
Fran Hooper

Ensure a positive R.O.I. …Get active in APTA.

To receive Business in Motion electronically, email Fran Hooper at fhooper@apta.com.

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